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Entertainment

Fun 'N Sun sets

Clearwater's annual event ends with a Saturday night parade and a Sunday evening concert.

By STEVE BAAL
Published May 6, 2005

CLEARWATER - Conceived in 1954 as a rival to St. Petersburg's Festival of States and Tampa's Gasparilla celebrations, the Clearwater Fun 'N Sun Festival was born as a one-day event featuring a parade of mostly homemade floats and decorated cars.

This weekend, after a 17-day run incorporating 40 events, the grownup version of Fun 'N Sun wraps up its 52nd edition with its signature parade and a rousing musical closing punctuated by fireworks.

On Saturday, the Illuminated Night Parade will take to the streets of Clearwater, still reigning as the festival's keynote event.

But it's not your grandma's parade anymore. Now it features a small army (75 to 80) of well-drilled marching bands, crisp color guards, colorful pirate krewes and professionally crafted floats. Still, organizers are offering a tip of the cap to the past.

"We are bringing back a bit of the hometown feel by adding a golf cart division to the parade," said Melanie Cornwell, public information director for the Clearwater Parks and Recreation Department, which is coordinating Fun 'N Sun activities.

"They'll be personally decorated personal and company carts, like the cars were in the old days."

The parade, which lasts about 90 minutes, will kick off at 7:35 p.m. at Crest Lake Park at Lake Drive and Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard and wind its way west along Cleveland Street to East Avenue.

"Bring your own lawn chairs," said Bob Barry, Clearwater's recreation coordinator for special events. Vendors also will be on hand selling parade paraphernalia, hot dogs, popcorn and cotton candy.

On Sunday, the Fun 'N Sun Festival Finale will present an evening concert by the Florida Orchestra at Coachman Park. The gates will open at 5 p.m. for an appearance by the U.S. Army Field Band "Volunteers." The six-person ensemble, which is one of four main units of the touring Army Field Band, will perform its eclectic mix of oldies such as Misty and You Are The Sunshine of My Life, R&B featuring Motown artists, and patriotic favorites featuring the music of Irving Berlin and Lee Greenwood.

The Florida Orchestra, led by its associate conductor, Susan Haig, will take over the bandstand for a pops performance ranging from Beethoven and Tchaikovsky symphonies to movie themes from The Sound of Music and Star Wars to Beach Boys tunes. The concert will conclude amid the flash and thunder of the 9 p.m. fireworks display.

Clearwater Fun 'N Sun Illuminated Night Parade will be Saturday along Cleveland Street in downtown Clearwater. The parade starts at 7:35 p.m. Admission is free; parking is available on surrounding streets. The Florida Orchestra and Fireworks Finale will be at Coachman Park, 301 Drew St., Sunday at 5 p.m. Admission is free.

[Last modified May 6, 2005, 00:38:16]